Republican Knox County Clerk Candidates Present Themselves To The Eighth District

A large crowd of nearly 250 people turned out at Carter High School tonight to hear the three Republican candidates for Knox County Clerk present themselves.

Several Elected officials and candidates for other offices attended as well. Some elected officials or candidates sent representatives.

Here is the list of those attending:

Republican General Sessions Judge Bob McGee. Judge McGee is a Republican candidate for the Criminal Court Judge position that has been made vacant due to Republican Criminal Court Judge Ray Lee Jenkins untimely death. The position will be on the February and August 2008 ballot.

Knox County Republican Property Assessor John Whitehead.

Knox County Republican County Commissioner from the 8th District Phil Ballard. Commissioner Ballard is a Republican candidate for Knox County Property Assessor.

Knox County Republican County Commissioner from the 8th District Jack Huddleston. Commissioner Huddleston is campaigning for election in 2008.

Rhonda Bennett represented Knox County Republican Law Director John Owings.

L.B. Steele candidate for Trustee as a Republican.

Barbara Hartsell representing Knox County Republican Register of Deeds Sherry Witt.

Wes Norris representing Knox County Republican Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones.

Tim Wheeeler and Wendy Norris representing Knox County Republican Circuit, General Sessions and Juvenile Court Clerk Cathy Quist.

Kay Frazier Republican candidate for Knox County Commission from the 8th District.

Mike Wheatly representing former Knox County Republican Trustee Mike Lowe. Lowe is a candidate for Knox County Property Assessor.

Republican State Representative Harry Brooks.

Knox County Republican Party Chairwoman Irene McCrary.

County Commissioner Phil Ballard gave a report on the county's insurance plan and on the county's storm water ordinance that passed on second reading last evening. He also recognized two citizens, Helen Smith and Zella McPherson that were instrumental in the design of the new Knox County Senior Citizen center that the county broke ground for earlier in the day.

County Commissioner Jack Huddleston gave a report on the $400,000.00 improvements that will be coming to the intersection of Harbisons Crossroads in the Gibbs community of Knox County's Eighth District.

State Representative Harry Brooks said "We (the legislature) is not in session, so you folks are safe." The crowd laughed. He mentioned the Harbisons Crossroads intersection that Commissioner Huddleston had mentioned. This is a partnership between the state and county and this agreement is the first of its kind in Tennessee. He also discussed how the legislature created AP (Advanced Placement) classes for high school students taking a technical path.

The three Republican candidates for Knox County Clerk then presented themselves. Each candidate was given 8 minutes and 2 minutes followup after all three had presented themselves. The candidates went in alphabetical order.

Foster Arnett, Jr. - He discussed his plans for operating the office. He will be open, accountable and accessible. He said that when he becomes Clerk there will be no nepotism.

Mike McMillan - Mike McMillan is a former County Commissioner from the Eighth District. He discussed how the office takes in $56.0 million dollars a year. The office operates 6 satellite offices, soon 7. The office has 128 employees. The office registers 400,000 vehicles a year. He promised that when he is clerk that he "will put forth his best effort". Within his first 90 days he will evaluate each division and ensure the right people are there to serve the citizens. He said that he will have an open door, he will return your phone calls, he will be available to meet with you and if it is convenient for him to meet you at the satellite offices, he will do that as well.

County Commission Chairman Scott Moore discussed the issues going on with County Commission. He discussed how he is known within the eighth district due to his previous run for State Representative in the area. His mother and father, father in law and sister were in the audience and he recognized his family. He discussed his experience in law enforcement (public sector) and his experience in the private sector with his property management and his trucking business.

The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.

The First February 5, 2008 Yard Sign Is Up and The City of Knoxville Election

This morning on my drive to my 4 plus mile walk for the day, I spotted the first yard sign for the February 5, 2008 Primary election. There was a 2x2 Mike Lowe Property Assessor sign in the same yard as two small Mayor Haslam signs.

A few feet up the road a yard had Joe Bailey City Council yard signs. No signs for the two challengers campaigning for Mayor or the position currently held by Councilman Bailey.

The City primary election is this Tuesday September 25, 2007. It appears that Mayor Haslam will get the necessary 50% plus 1 to avoid a runoff and that is good. I am sure that the Mayor will enjoy reading his re-election story in the Knoxville-Knox County Focus. Here he is reading the Focus.

Brian's Blog endorses City Councilman Joe Bailey. It appears that the extremist liberals in the Knox County Democrat Party are going after Councilman Bailey. The good news is that the everyday normal democrat is supporting him and nearly every Republican. Turnout has been low so every vote will count. So, if you haven't voted for Joe during the early voting period, be sure that you get out on Tuesday and cast a vote at your polling location from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. for Joe Bailey for City Council.

The Cawood/Quist Connection?

UPDATE: Friday September 21, 2007 9:00 p.m. Brian's Blog has received a message from an insider to the Cawood's admitting that Sharon and Mark cut deals to appoint herself. They attempt to implicate everyone else. However, that is a stretch. But, we do have insider information and a confession that Sharon cut deals, thus she violated the "Sunshine Law".

Original Post: As we reported here a few days ago. Word is moving through the courthouse that Sharon Cawood is preparing to run for Property Assessor as a Democrat. Those plans may be changing soon.

Bob McGee, current Republican General Sessions Judge is running for Criminal Court Judge as a Republican in 2008. When he is successful and takes the Criminal Court bench on September 1, 2008.

There will be less than 2 years remaining on Cathy Quist current term as Circuit, General Sessions and Juvenile Court Clerk. Quist will then pursue the County Commission appointment to the General Sessions Court Judge position, as she did in January of 2006 during the Brenda Waggoner retirement vacancy. In January 2006, Quist actually withdrew from consideration. However, Quist maintains a desire to become a Judge. When the Commission appoints Quist to the General Sessions Judge postion, her current position becomes vacant.

Sharon Cawood would then pursue the Circuit, General Sessions and Juvenile Court Clerk position. Sharon having been successful in her current husband cutting deals to appoint her to the County Commission seat that she currently holds has the necessary experience to gain the appointment through "the process". After all Cawood has 7 months experience in the Clerk's position as a $42,000.00 a year courier. Driving court files from Juvenile Court to the City County Building and stopping off at the local big box retailer, picking up wedding gifts in between the designated courier trips.

Stay tuned as it seems that Sharon Cawood is desperately trying hard to find a full time job that allows for plenty of errands and opportunities.

Rumor about the Cawood Situation

O.k. everyone is trying to figure out about Fredrick Cawood. He picked up a petition on Friday. Why has Sharon Cawood the second sister in law for Fredrick not picked up a petition for the County Commission seat that she was appointed to fill after her second husband was dumped out of his seat by the Tennessee Supreme Court on January 12, 2007? Enquiring minds want to know.

The rumor among her Commission colleagues today during committee meetings is that she is going to pick up a petition for Property Assessor as a Democrat and she and her second husband Mark will throw their support behind Frederick for County Commission in 2008. In essence, keeping the check in the family.

The salary that she gave up at the Juvenile Court clerk's office $42,000.00 plus per year in addition to her $23,000.00 plus per year Commission salary will be replaced by a salary slightly over $100,000.00 a year as Property Assessor.

Stay tuned.

Who Is The Poster Family Of Nepotism?

The award goes to the Karns resident family named "The Cawood's"

Here is the facts and background that crowns the Cawood family as the "Poster Family of Nepotism"

First, there was Mark. He defeated a true public servant County Commissioner Jim Harbin after getting humiliated in a bid for State Representative against Charlie Severance in the 1980's. His brother former Roane County Attorney "Chris Cawood" served a brief stint as State Representative from Roane County and got into some legal trouble for actions involving his legal practice in Roane County. He then moved back into Knox County's Cawood District. Mark was again humiliated countywide in his failed bid to oust Knox County Property Assessor Parkey Strader in the early 1990's. Mark even utilized a campaign dirty trick or two that backfired in his humiliating thumping at the ballot box.

In December 2006, Mark voted to get his second wife (Sharon) a job in the Juvenile Court Clerk's office. A similar job that he had in 1998, when he had to resign from the General Sessions Court Clerk's office when he was exposed for double dipping.

Then Mark Cawood got dumped out of his seat by the TN Supreme Court on January 12, 2007. He then frantically went to looking for himself a job and became a bailiff in Knox County, prior to his vacating the Commission seat.

He then lobbied and cut deals to put his wife into the Cawood commission seat. Then in July 2007, Brian's Blog exposed her inattendance in performing her job in the Juvenile Court Clerk's position. In August of 2007, she resigned her position with the Juvenile Court Clerk's office after having been exposed.

With one credible Republican candidate announced (Matthew Jones) against her and several more candidates expected to announce as Democrats and Independents. The Cawoods are trying to determine how to keep the check in the family. The answer. Have your brother /brother in law run by his legal name Fredrick C. Cawood, not by the name in the news from Roane County "Chris Cawood".

This way. When Sharon is defeated in the primary, the check has the ability to stay in the family. It is still possible for Mrs. Cawood the mother of Mark and Fredrick to run as a Green Party candidate.

So, when you are looking for pictures to put on the poster of nepotism. It is the family photograph of the Cawood's.

The Two Mike's Are In For The Knox County 2008 Election

Thursday of this week, Former Republican Knox County Trustee Mike Lowe has announced he will run for Knox County Property Assessor in the February 2008 Republican Primary and then face whoever the KnoxDems put up in August. In the Republican Primary, he will be facing County Commissioner Phil Ballard. Ballard announced several months ago and has already started running radio commercials.

Also, on Tuesday of this week at the Eighth District Republican Club former Republican County Commissioner Mike McMillian announced that he will run for the Republican nomination for County Clerk. This is the second time that McMillian has announced his intention. The first time at the Halls Republican Club.

He will be facing former Knoxville Police Department PR guy Foster Arnett and County Commission Chairman Scott Moore. The winner will then face Deputy County Clerk George Stooksbury. Stooksbury has allot of bi-partisan support. For those of you lurking from the liberal blog, bi-partisan means Republican and Democrat support.

The tabloid bully editor girl didn't believe McMillian's first announcement, will she believe the second? Only the mass in the area that normally occupies a brain in the tabloid bully editor girls head knows.

Knox County Candidates

UPDATE 8/30/2007: Richard Cate has filed this afternoon.

Original Post: The following candidates have appointed Treasurer's in order to solicit and receive contributions for possible and probable campaigns. Nominating petitions will be distributed beginning September 14, 2007. The deadline for submitting a nominating petition is December 13, 2007 at 12:00 noon.

Note: An * indicates the individual is either the Incumbent or the 1/31/2007 appointee.

County Commission

First District, Seat A

Second District Seat B

Chuck Bolus - Republican *

Bruce White - Republican

Cortney Piper - Democrat

Amy Broyles - Democrat

Fourth District, Seat A

Richard T. Cate - Republican *
Ruthie Stone Kuhlman - Republican

Walter Wojnar - Republican
William Daniels - Republican

Elaine Davis - Democrat

Fourth District, Seat B
Ed Shouse - Republican

Jim Smelcher - Republican
Lee Tramel - Republican *
William Daniels - Republican

Fifth District, Seat C

Sixth District, Seat A
Matthew Jones - Republican
Sharon Cawood - Democrat *

Eighth District, Seat B
Jack Huddleston - Republican *

Galen Porter - Republican

Tom Pressley - Democrat

Ninth District, Seat A
Tim Greene - Republican *

Sheriff

James R. Jones - Republican *

Register of Deeds
Sherry Witt - Republican *

Scott Emge - Democrat

Trustee

Steven Michael Rogers, Sr. - Republican
Fred Sisk - Republican *
L.B. Steele - Republican

County Clerk
Foster G. Arnett, Jr. - Republican
Scott Moore - Republican
George E. Stooksbury - Democrat
Billy G. Tindell - Democrat *

Property Assessor
Phil Ballard - Republican
Mike Lowe - Republican

Law Director

John Owings - Republican *

Bill Lockett - Republican

School Board Members

District 2
Indya Kincannon*

Robert B. Gratz

District 3

District 5

District 8

A Few Republicans Are Embarassing Me And Others. How About Becoming A Christocrat?

Matthew (Matt) Jones for Sixth District Commissioner

I have posted the following information about Republican Matthew (Matt) Jones over at Take Back Knox. Matthew is the only candidate currently running in the Republican Primary to take on Democrat "Multiple Conflicts" Sharon Cawood next August.

Matthew Jones is a native Knoxvillian. He was born on August 29th, 1978 which makes him 29 years old this month. He has been married for 5 years to his wonderful wife Bridget who is an 11 year employee of St. Mary's Hospital, and they have two happy and healthy children, Brittany 11 and Turner 2. Their son Turner was born Feb 16th, 2005 with several major heart defects, but by the grace of God he survived three surgeries in Washington D.C. and two years later he is perfectly okay and is a constant reminder that God is in their home.

Matthew graduated from Fulton High School in 1996 and his involvement in basketball and student government at Fulton lead him to Maryville College. He graduated from Maryville College with a B.A. in Human Services in May of 2000. He took his first job out of MC with Helen Ross McNabb and started working the day after graduation. He supervised aftercare probation for juveniles transitioning back into the community after release from the state's custody. After two years at Helen Ross McNabb, Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Carey Garrett offered him a chance to work for the Juvenile Court which he grateful and enthusiastically accepted.

He was at the court for one year when he ventured outside of his field of study and left the court to manage restaurants for both Ruby Tuesdays and Panera Bread. He returned to his calling when once again Judge Garrett welcomed him back to the court in November of 2005. Matt is a juvenile probation officer at the Knox County Juvenile Court and he loves his work.

Matt has lived in Powell for 6 years and has grown to love the small town and family community feel of both the Powell and Karns communities. Their church home is First Baptist of Powell. Their daughter attends Powell Middle School and they are members of the PTA. Matt is very encouraged to see how many involved parents are active in the lives of their children in the community.

He is currently running a campaign to become the next Knox County Commissioner of the 6th district. He is running for several reasons but most of all he is running because he has children in the district and he wants to be the one helping to make decisions that effect the most important people in his life. He is also running because he is tired of the corruption that has become commonplace in Knox County Government. Our local government has forgotten that their elected positions are positions of service to others and not simply social status symbols. In Knox County we need hard working, family men and women who have the well being of the citizens of Knox County at their heart and Matthew Jones is that man.

Check out Take Back Knox on a regular basis as it will soon be the go to place for Taking Back Knox.

The Twelve White Men Have Been Replaced By Seven (Which Includes Three Women)

In the late 90's the word in Knoxville/Knox County (and a story even ran on the cover of Metro Pulse) is that the Government was selected and run by twelve white men. Tonight at the West Knox Republican Club the twelve white men have been replaced by a group of seven and in the group of seven are a couple of women.

Former State Senator Ben Atchley and former Knox County Executive Tommy Schumpert appeared at the West Knox Republican Club to discuss the Public Trust PAC which they have formed with five other individuals. They are Henrietta Grant, Sam Furrow, David Moon, Sherri Lee and Suzanne Schriver.

It is interesting to hear Senator Atchley discuss term limits, when he ran against Fred Berry he campaigned on the fact that Fred Berry had served too long. (18 years) Atchley the stayed 30 plus years. One of his last re-elections he raised and spent over a quarter million dollars in an attempt to embarrass the opponent that dared oppose him.

Some of the elected officials present were: Register of Deeds Sherry Witt, Marianne Thompson representing Sheriff J.J. Jones, Law Director John Owings, Bob Griffitts representing Congressman John J. (Jimmy) Duncan, Jr., City Councilwoman Barbara Pelot, County Commission Chairman Scott Moore, County Commissioners Frank Leuthold, Lee Tramel, Richard Cate and Tony Norman. State Representatives Stacey Campfield and Frank Niceley and Trustee Fred Sisk.

Candidates present were: Elaine Davis a Democrat running for County Commission in the Fourth District, County Commission candidates in the Fourth District Ruthie Kulhman, William Daniels, Walt Wojnar. County Commission candidate in the Sixth district Matthew Jones. County Clerk candidates Scott Moore and Foster Arnett. Trustee candidates Fred Sisk and L.B. Steele. City Council candidate Ray Abbas, Law Director candidate Bill Lockett arrived late.

Members of the media present: Georgiana Vines and Sandra Clark, reporters and employees of the News-Sentinel's parent company.

Tommy Schumpert explained that the PAC has two criteria 1) persons who are Good Leaders and 2) persons with good integrity. The PAC will endorse in the primaries. Electability is a possible criteria. A gentleman asked about the Hart voting machines that Knox County has purchased. Schumpert said. "I don't have a clue about the voting machines, but I think there good." The gentleman said with a group of seven are you bypassing the people? Schumpert said he could see where that could be believed and that the PAC will have to prove itself during this election cycle. He also said he was personally not committed to the PAC long term only through the next three years through September 2010.

I asked Schumpert two questions.

1) Would you name the current officeholders that are not good leaders with good integrity. He would not. He made a reference to the immediate Past Chairman of the Knox County Republican Party which led me to respond. "They have said worse stuff than that about me." To which the room laughed loudest at my comeback. I had far more friends in the standing room only crowd than he did, even with Sandra in close proximity.

2) Would the committee consider how much money a candidate had raised and had on hand before making an endorsement? Schumpert said that in the interview process a candidates budget and on hand will be discussed. He said because the committee does not want a candidate to solely rely on the PAC to fund the campaign.

A question was asked about how the committee formed itself. "It appears to be a Chamber committee." Schumpert said they formed themselves.

Next month. September 10, 2007 Mayor Bill Haslam will be the speaker. However, you will probably have to show your Republican credentials at the door. Too many Democrats are invading the club, the next thing you know the Sentinel will send three reporters, Georgiana, Sandra and Betty.

Knoxville News-Sentinel Gets It Wrong. Are You Surprised?

This Knoxville News-Sentinel's editorial today got a minor detail wrong. Are you surprised? I think the Gossip and Lies from its recently acquired tabloid is rubbing off on the flagship paper.

Here is the error. "Lowe now is considering running in 2008 for county clerk, a post currently held by Billy Tindell, who was term limited as a county commissioner. Scott Moore, commission chairman, also is seeking the clerk’s position. And on and on."

I know that Mike Lowe has been encouraged to run for Knox County Property Assessor, not County Clerk. Nothing is final until Mike Lowe announces his intentions. However, Mike is getting tremendous support from all over Knox County to run for Property Assessor.

It would really help for the News-Sentinel to make sure that even when the reporting Rumor and Gossip that it not become a lie. With that said. Twenty- four hours is a life time in politics, so Lowe could decide to run for Assessor, Clerk, Register or in 2010 Mayor.

Before the News-Sentinel prints something it attempts to pass off as fact it should ask the subject of the paragraph.

West Knox Republican Club Picnic

A Great time was had by all. This evening from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. the West Knox Republican Club held their annual July picnic at the Deane Hill Recreation / Community Center.

Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr attended (he received a standing ovation) and spoke briefly to those in attendance. He said. "Many people are talking about Fred Thompson. Let me say that I will vote for any of our candidates before I vote for any of theirs." For those of you in Greater Del Rio. He is talking about Democrats.

Church Hill, TN Attorney and potential Republican State Senate candidate (for State Senate District 4) Mike Faulk attended and handed out his whistle/flashlight/compass. Speaking of which I resorted to helping Joy McCroskey's young grandchildren begin using theirs immediately. She may never speak to me again.

Judge Dale Workman began auctioning off the cakes. (all donated by elected officials) Some that I remember. Commission Chairman Scott "Scoobie" Moore bought the cake of Senator Lamar Alexander. Second District Commissioner Chuck Bolus purchased the cake donated by Ken Knight. Lee Tramel purchased a variety of baked goods donated by Judge Tony Stansberry. Commissioner Phil Ballard spent $200 on a cheesecake donated by Commissioner Lee Tramel. Foster Arnett purchased a baked good. A loyal Republican (that is not an elected official, so I will spare her the public notoriety) purchased the prune cake donated by Sheriff Jimmy "J.J" Jones.

There were many others. Oh. Yeah. I purchased one of the cakes donated by Judge Geoff Emery. As Judge Workman handed me the cake, I made some remark that Judge Emery is the only Judge I like at the City - County Building. That was a joke for those of you in Greater Del Rio. I am not sure why I bought a cake as the wife and I are not eating cake. (The wife is doing better than me, but I am refraining) Well, it was a fun night.

City Council members Joe Bailey and Chris Woodhull were in attendance. City Judge John Rossen was there. County Commissioners Scott Moore, Richard Cate, Lee Tramel, Chuck Bolus, R. Larry Smith, Jack Huddleston and Phil Ballard. Law Director John Owings, Trustee Fred Sisk, Circuit Court Clerk Cathy Quist, Nick McBride representing Register of Deeds Sherry Witt, Chief Tom Spangler representing Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones, Judges Tony Stansberry, Andrew Jackson, VI, Tim Irwin, Dale Workman. State Senators Jamie Woodson, Tim Burchett. State Representatives Frank Niceley and Bill Dunn. Sixth District County Commission candidate Matt Jones, Fourth District County Commission candidates Walter Wojnar and Ed Shouse. Foster Arnett, Jr candidate for County Clerk.

I am sure that I have accidentally left one or two off. Send me an email and I will add the ones that I have accidentally left off.

Bill Lockett to Challenge Law Director John Owings

Local Knoxville Attorney Bill Lockett will challenge Knox County Law Director John Owings in the Republican Primary in February 2008.

Lockett officially announced on the Hubert Smith Radio Show last Sunday. However this week he filed the paperwork in naming a Treasurer for a possible run.

Lockett was nominated by a couple of County Commissioners in September 2006 and received three votes to replace Law Director Mike Moyers when Moyers became one of Knox County's Chancellor's.

John Owings was selected by a majority of the Commissioner's and has performed the duties of Law Director in an professional manner since his selection. Owings has extensive experience in the Law Director's office.

Knox County Young Republicans

Last evening the Knox County Young Republicans met at the Greene Hills Grill. Matthew (Matt) Jones spoke about his candidacy for County Commission Sixth District Seat A.

Matt talked about his background, his current employment as a Probation Officer in the Juvenile Court and he talked about his desire to represent all the families of the Sixth District. Matt is married. He and his wife are raising their two children.

The Fountain City Focus this week wrote about Matt's candidacy in a story about the Fountain City Republican Club. The Focus is an excellent paper that covers the new stories from around Knox County.

Matt's motives for running for Commission is to work in helping families and young people. It is refreshing to see someone with Matt's experience and attitude take on the challenge of running for office. Matt deserves the consideration and vote of the citizens of the Sixth District.

Upcoming 2008 Knox County Elections

There will be 6 countywide positions on the ballot in February (Primary ballot) and August (General ballot) 2008. The positions are:

Sheriff - Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones is expected to be a candidate.

Law Director - Knox County Law Director John Owings is expected to be a candidate.

Register of Deeds - Knox County Register of Deeds Sherry Witt is expected to be a candidate. Sherry Witt has a website. It is located, here.


Property Assessor - Knox County Property Assessor John Whitehead is term - limited and is ineligible to serve. County Commissioner Phil Ballard is expected to be a candidate.

County Clerk - Knox County Clerk Billy Tindell is not expected to be a candidate. Republican candidates expected to be candidates are County Commission Chairman Scott "Scoobie" Moore, Former County Commissioner Mike McMillian and former City of Knoxville Police Department Spokesman Foster Arnett, Jr. Democrat candidate expected to be a candidate is County Clerk Deputy George Stooksbury.

Trustee - Knox County Trustee Fred Sisk is expected to be one of several Republican candidates in running for this position. Other rumored Republican candidates are former County Commissioner John Griess, former County Commissioner Larry Stephens, Government Relations Representative for St. Mary's Steve Hill. Probable Democrat candidate for Trustee is current School Board Member Robert Bratton.

News-Sentinel Breaks News About Chairman Moore

In an effort to allow Knoxville's MSM (Main Stream Media) to Break some political news stories. Brian's Blog has been sitting on this one for a week or so.

Knox County Commission Chairman Scott Moore ("Scoobie" to his friends, his not so nice friends call him other names) has announced his intention to run for the Knox County Clerk's position. Scoobie is the first to formally announce.

Former County Commissioner Mike McMillian and Former City of Knoxville guy Foster Arnett, Jr. have been attending Republican club meetings beginning to check the waters.